Match-Up Q: Player of the Game

Match-Up Q: Who’s the player of the game this Sunday in Cincinnati?

Matt Jergensen:

Bernard Pierce.“The Ravens should look to feature the run game against one of the best pass rushes in the league. Ray Rice certainly isn’t tired after being underutilized this season but I’d expect Pierce to be used more and should be able to add to his huge game last week.”

Jonathan Scruggs:

Paul Kruger. “I don’t expect the Ravens to put forth too many of their stars in this game, but I do expect Kruger to suit up and contribute. If the stars are being rested, then Kruger must continue his season of growth and show that when necessary he can lead the unit. For that reason alone he’s my highlight player this week.”

Gene Winner:

OLB Courtney Upshaw:“I’ve noticed that Upshaw is quietly having a steady season. He sets the edge well and it seems like rarely he gets fooled by mis-directions and rollouts. He could get more opportunities this Sunday so he can be primed for the playoffs. And that means there’s a chance he’ll make some big plays.”

Ben Zinman:

QB Joe Flacco: “Last week Joe got his confidence back lighting up M&T Bank with over 300 yards against the 30th ranked defense in the NFL. That was his 1st 300 game since Nov 11th and 5th so far this season. This week he faces the 6th ranked overall defense and a Bengals team that is playing well having only lost once during this same stretch of time. Joe needs to demonstrate that last week was the beginning of some changes to an offense that finally may be evolving into something very special. Rolling Joe out and play action helped him avoid sacks and escape defenders. Emphasizing Ray in a variety of differnet ways was also quite effective.”